Here is a more uncommon form
of West Nepal primitive metal sculpture. It is a small
votive model in the form of a temple that serves as a lamp for
light offering as well. These are found in myriad forms
but it is true that there are several common styles that we find
again and again. The purpose of these metal figures also varies
- they may be votive or funerary. One can
typically get some idea of the specific application of a given
sculpture by its particular form.

The form of this particular
example is unusual and shows a yogi / oracle seated inside a
temple structure. As is common in the far West of Nepal,
the temple is crowned with the trident symbol common to
shamanism and Hinduism. On either side of the shrine
opening are shallow receptacles for lamp oil. Be sure and
view the detail photos as the figure seated inside is not easy
to discern in the shot above.